Why B Corp Status

Swift is one of two commercial print shops in the world that are BCorp Certified. Being a B Corp is about making the right choices when it comes to your work force, the environment, and having super deep roots in the Grand Rapids, MI community.

The reason we chose to be a BCorp is because we already aligned with the values of the mission of Benefit Corporations. As we grow and develop in our third generation of leadership, Swift Printing maintains the values and beliefs that our founder Walt Gutowski Sr. established. Grandpa always put the customer first and deeply cared about his staff. The amount of donations the man gave away was unheard of. If there was a need, Walt Sr. was giving.

BCorp is a way for us to have a third party accreditation implying yes, in fact, Swift Printing is doing the things they say they are doing. One of the best analogies I can use is BCorp is for Profit Businesses as Fair Trade Coffee is for the Coffee industry. Not sure what that is? Check out thishttps://www.fairtradecertified.org/why-fair-trade)

[Here is a clip of Shelley Irwin and Jes Slaydon talking about BCorp when Swift was Certified in 2017. https://www.wgvunews.org/post/swift-printing]

First and foremost we need to turn a profit to be able to do all the amazing things we want to do for the community, our team, and our industry. There is something special about loving what you do and not feeling like you are working when you are working. I believe in the 80/20 rule. It can’t all be rainbows and sunshine, but I really do enjoy what I do and I really like the people I work with.

The past year has been less than ideal for everyone due to the COVID-19 Pandemic. However, with struggle comes growth. If the pandemic has taught us anything it is the value of the relationship and that is something we never lost with our customers at Swift. We feel good about the folks we do business with and really like our customers. (ugh, pre-covid, I loved delivering a Swift order and having lunch where I delivered!)

What I want to say is thank you so much for choosing to order your printing from Swift Printing in Grand Rapids, MI. We really love what we do and for me, it’s my vessel to make a mark on the world for good.

B the change,

Jes Slaydon